Bleak Winter?

The winter looks bleak for many cruise lines, according to industry and media reports.

Crown Lines has withdrawn its ship from Mexico, and will be sailing from Ft. Lauderdale instead.

In addition, Sitmar has returned to discounting in that area, reportedly because of weak bookings. (The line previously had announced a strong stand against discounting.) Discounting is widespread in the Caribbean, with only minor or non-existent rate increases for 1986. In an already crowded market, the new Holiday is being joined by the Regent Sea and CostaRiviera.

Christmas Cruises Still Available

Carnival, NCL and Princess Cruises are among the cruise lines that are still actively marketing their Christmas cruises.

Average Cruise Rate is $150 Per Person

The average industry cruise rate per person, per day, including air fare is $150, according to Robert Brennan of Holland America Westours. He predicts that overcapacity and unrealistically low fares will play havoc with the industry for the next few years.